ASUS P7H55D-M first time builder - pls comment

[woodhands]

Hi,

I'm new here, hoping for some experienced eyes on my first-time system build. Here's the plan, all from Newegg. I had CyberPower do my last PC 3 yrs ago, but they won’t use the new AUS or Gigabyte mobo’s - besides, it’s time I did this myself! Will use this for about 3 years, so definitely want USB3 (I've read 6Gb sata is not so useful). I load lots of software - WP/MS Office, other general purpose, photo editing (rarely video editing, but some conversion), large photo and music collections, utilities, etc. Primarily interested in good speed, and avoiding the "hesitations" I get with Windows on my core2duo Asus mobo now (3 yrs old).

Here's what I'm ready to Order:

- APEVIA X-QPACK2-RED/500 MicroATX Desktop Computer Case 500W Power Supply
- ASUS P7H55D-M EVO LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
- Intel Core i5-660 Clarkdale 3.33GHz LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80616I5660
- CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) MX4GX3M2A1600C9
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
- nMEDIAPC ZE-C98 All-in-one USB 2.0 Card Reader with USB/IEEE 1394/e-SATA Port/HD Audio Ports
- HDD - 1TB Seagate 7200 rpm drive (re-use a spare I have)
Will use onboard sound and video chip (presently have Radeon HD4550 and it's more than I need; no gaming, occasionally watch BD video).

Some Questions:
1. I plan to do some moderate overclocking - chose the 660 chip to keep heat and energy use down; is the 661 really a better choice?
2. What is best CPU cooler for this small case and MoBo, with limited height?
3. What am I forgetting about?

Thanks for your time and sharing your experience,
woodhands

[Khalil]

Apevia power supplies are worthless. Go here http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=208143 to read up about quality power supplies. The Asus motherboard is great. I would stay away from Seagate and go with WD Black instead.
This post is in the wrong forum, it should be in the build my pc forum. I hope someone moves it!

[woodhands]

Sorry Kahlil,

I'll post it there.
I'd read about poor P/S ... my existing case has a 520watt Corsair green P/S to swap if that's the case.

S

[woodhands]

What about cooler?
Chip choice for mild overclocking?
Those are relevant topics here, right?
woodhands

[glc]

I moved this thread and closed your new one.

Do you have an overriding desire for a tiny case? You are going to have a lot less cooling and reliability issues with a more standard-sized case. If you must have a tiny case, I'd recommend an Antec, the included power supplies in theirs are high quality. Your Corsair is not going to fit in a tiny case, they use either micro-ATX, SFX, or proprietary form factor power supplies. I would also not overclock a system in a tiny case.

[woodhands]

Thanks for those ideas.

Yes, I am wedded to this form factor case. [The other m-atx cases are too tall for my situation; have custom wood holder, on glides, with dsl modem, router, NAS etc.]

From lots of reading I've done on this case it does have adequate ventilation, and some users have successfully overclocked chips in it ... plus the fans can be improved on in speed, quiet and smoothness.

I'll only have one HDD in the case, and may later switch that to an SDD ... so little heat generated. The case (newer version last year or two) will accommodate a full size power supply, according to both maker and users.

I see at http://www.apevia.com/supportFAQs.asp
that case maker Apevia says: CPU coolers to be installed to the X-QPack in the neighborhood of 76mm and under. Larger heatsinks may fit with some modding. Also be aware that even though height of the cooler is ok that the layout may be in conflict with the case. Here are a few coolers known to fit into the X-QPack series: Blue Orb II, CNPS7000, CNPS7700, CNPS8000.

So, back to the Q's I asked:

1. cpu cooler recommendation?
2. i5 chip - 660 or 661 or another version? (and another)
3. Is there a temp sensor that can display onscreen, or display be mounted on outside the case, without taking up a whole bay? what would you recommend?

Thanks,

woodhands

[glc]

I would do one of 2 things.

1. Try to get that case with no PSU or a cheaper PSU, because Apevia power supplies of ANY wattage are garbage. It does look like any ATX unit happens to fit, so you could reuse your Corsair.

2. Look at the Antec cube cases.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129038

I'd run the stock Intel cooler and only replace it if you determine the need to do so after it's built. I also wouldn't worry about temperature sensors - Asus PC Probe can be set to trigger an alarm at the desired thresholds. I think you are worrying about temperatures too much.

[woodhands]

Thanks GLC .... will do as you suggest.

Any other input ... I'm about ready to pull the plug on my first build, would like it to go smoothly.

WH

[encore02]

woodhands,

im looking to setup a machine with same case / mobo as you and just wondering how your experience went